The End of the Road: Arkansas Riverwalk trail expansion at a standstill

By Carie Canterbury

canterburyc@canoncitydailyrecord.com

Posted:
07/10/2013 08:53:10 PM MDT

Cañonland Walkers and Hikers members explore the new section of the Riverwalk in May. (Jeff Shane / Canon City Daily Record)

The Tunnel Drive section on the west end of the Arkansas Riverwalk may sit unfinished for a while unless the City of Cañon City can find some extra funds laying around.

City Engineer Adam Lancaster said during Tuesday's Public Works meeting he received three bids to complete the trail that currently ends at the new pedestrian bridge.

"The high bid was $500,000 over budget and the low bid was $150,000 over budget," he said. "What that means is that the Tunnel Drive section will not be constructed unless we can find another $150,000."

The City of Cañon City has been working to extend the trail to Pueblo Community College Fremont Campus and up to the Tunnel Drive trailhead, possibly including a connection to Grape Creek and Royal Gorge Park one day.

Lancaster said in May he hoped to have the trail done by the end of the summer but said it might take until the end of the year depending on certain portions.

Lancaster will present the project bids to the city council during Monday's regular meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 128 Main St.